Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

I planted these six little chicory plants for fun.  Chicory is a perennial.  I don’t think I will be harvesting the root, but you never know.  I wanted some flowering herbs in my “Oddity Herb” garden.  Chicory blooms clear blue flowers in the summer.  The blooms last for less than a day.  Chicory will grow to 3 feet tall with an 18 inch spread. 

The root can be roasted, ground, and mixed with coffee or substituted for coffee altogether.  The leaves can be used in salads.  The flower buds can be pickled, they have a peppery flavor. 

Medicinally, chicory can be used as a digestive tonic.  All bitter herbs are good for digestion.  Chicory is related to radicchio which is also a bitter herb / salad green.